Drake Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Drake Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 2003 and is 23 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 44 ft (taller than 87.3% in IL) |
| Dam Length | 448 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 672 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 484 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 34 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,727 cfs |
| Year Completed | 2003 (23 years old) |
| NID ID | IL50454 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
State Government
Nearby Dams
Prairie Lake Dam
Cass, IL
High Hazard 68 ftLongs Lake Dam
Cass, IL
Low Hazard 28 ftGridley Dam
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Low Hazard 51 ftFinger Lake Dam
Cass, IL
Low Hazard 27 ftVirginia Lake Dam
Cass, IL
Significant Hazard 42 ftJurgens Brothers Lake Dam
Morgan, IL
Low Hazard 28 ftBraun Pond Dam
Sangamon, IL
Significant Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Drake Lake Dam?
Drake Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Drake Lake Dam?
Drake Lake Dam is owned by ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Drake Lake Dam built?
Drake Lake Dam was completed in 2003, making it 23 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Drake Lake Dam?
Drake Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Drake Lake Dam?
Drake Lake Dam has a dam height of 44 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Drake Lake Dam last inspected?
Drake Lake Dam was last inspected on April 27, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.